The Priory of the Orange Tree
Thirty-Two
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Lord Arteloth Beck, known as Loth, awakening in an unfamiliar underground chamber, naked and disoriented. He soon experiences the terrifying onset of the bloodblaze, a plague that feels like his blood is boiling, causing unbearable pain. In his agony, he recalls stories of the Grief of Ages, understanding why the East sealed its borders. As he struggles toward a pool for relief, a mysterious figure with a calming voice intervenes, questioning his identity and the origin of an iron box he carried. Loth, fearing he will infect others, warns them away before losing consciousness again.
When Loth next wakes, he finds himself healed and in a bed within the same chamber. Weak but free of pain, he reflects on his survival as a merciful act of the Saint. After cleansing himself in a pool, he notices a woman in a green cloak, who leads him through stone passages adorned with bronze statuettes. The woman, speaking with a Lasian accent, directs him to a curtained archway, where he is to meet Chassar uq-Ispad, the Ersyri ambassador. The setting is starkly different from the open-air estates Loth expected, adding to his growing confusion.
Loth is greeted by Chassar, who reveals they are in the Priory of the Orange Tree in Lasia—a shocking revelation, as Loth last remembers being in Rauca. Chassar explains that an ichneumon named Aralaq rescued him and brought him to the Priory, a place few outsiders survive to see. Loth struggles to comprehend the situation, especially when Chassar dismisses the foundational myth of the Damsel and the Saint as false. The ambassador’s calm demeanor and cryptic remarks unsettle Loth, who remains devoutly loyal to his faith and troubled by the blasphemy.
The chapter ends with Chassar preparing to unravel a tale that contradicts everything Loth believes, setting the stage for a confrontation between faith and hidden truths. The sand eagle’s presence and Chassar’s enigmatic smile underscore the tension, leaving Loth—and the reader—eager yet apprehensive about the revelations to come. The Priory’s secrecy, the ichneumon’s role, and the challenge to Inysh orthodoxy hint at a larger conflict brewing beneath the surface.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Loth’s experience with the bloodblaze, and how does it connect to the broader world-building in the chapter?
Answer:
Loth’s agonizing encounter with the bloodblaze serves as a visceral introduction to the plague that ravaged the world during the Grief of Ages. The description of his suffering—boiling blood, organ pain, and suicidal desperation—illustrates why the East isolated itself and why the plague was feared as more than just a fireside tale. This moment connects to broader themes of historical trauma and the lingering consequences of past catastrophes in the novel’s world. The bloodblaze also establishes the Priory’s medical capabilities, as they are able to cure Loth when he believes death is inevitable.2. How does the setting of the Priory of the Orange Tree contrast with Loth’s expectations, and what does this reveal about the cultural divide between his homeland and Lasia?
Answer:
The Priory’s underground chambers with rosy stone walls, oil lamps, and bronze statuettes starkly contrast with the open-air walkways and mountain views Ead previously described, disorienting Loth. This physical disconnect mirrors the cultural divide between Inys and Lasia. Loth’s confusion about being in Lasia (despite last remembering Rauca) and his unfamiliarity with ichneumons (referred to as “old allies”) highlight his outsider status. The Priory’s very existence—unknown to most—and Chassar’s claim that Inysh history is “false” further emphasize the insular nature of Inysh beliefs versus Lasia’s secretive knowledge.3. Analyze the symbolic role of water in this chapter, citing at least three specific examples.
Answer:
Water serves as a multifaceted symbol: (1) The pool Loth initially sees reflects light on the ceiling, representing hope amid his suffering—a contrast to the “boiling oil” of the bloodblaze. (2) He instinctively seeks the pool to “douse the fire within,” framing water as a life-saving force against plague. (3) Later, bathing in the pool soothes his “weary soles,” symbolizing purification and renewal after trauma. These instances collectively position water as a counterbalance to the destructive imagery of fire associated with the plague, reinforcing themes of healing and sanctuary at the Priory.4. How does Chassar uq-Ispad’s demeanor and revelation challenge Loth’s worldview?
Answer:
Chassar’s unnerving calm and direct dismissal of Inysh foundational myths (“Everything you know is false”) destabilize Loth’s religious and historical convictions. Unlike the jovial diplomat Loth remembers, this version of Chassar speaks with authority about the Priory’s secrets, forcing Loth to confront the possibility that his homeland’s beliefs are incomplete or fabricated. The sand eagle’s presence—a nod to Ead’s past teachings—further unsettles Loth by connecting Chassar to someone he trusted. This confrontation sets up a larger ideological conflict between Inysh orthodoxy and the Priory’s hidden truths.5. What narrative purpose does the ichneumon serve in this chapter, and how does its inclusion expand the story’s mythological framework?
Answer:
The ichneumon (Aralaq) introduces a mythological creature as an active participant in the plot, bridging natural and supernatural elements. Its role in rescuing Loth—summoning a Priory sister—demonstrates the interconnectedness of Lasia’s ecosystem and secret societies, contrasting with Inys’s more rigid structures. By having Loth saved by a creature he doesn’t understand (“Loth was none the wiser”), the text emphasizes the cultural knowledge gaps between societies. The ichneumon also foreshadows deeper lore about the Priory’s ancient alliances, expanding the novel’s mythos beyond human-centric narratives.
Quotes
1. “Now he knew what all the world had faced in the Grief of Ages. He knew why the East had locked its doors.”
This quote captures Loth’s visceral experience with the bloodblaze plague, revealing the true horror behind historical events. It marks a turning point where theoretical knowledge becomes devastating personal reality.
2. “His very blood was boiling oil. He screamed into the darkness of his cauldron, and the darkness screamed back.”
A powerful metaphorical description of the plague’s agony, illustrating both physical torment and psychological despair. The vivid imagery makes this one of the chapter’s most memorable passages.
3. “Everything you know is false.”
Chassar’s shocking declaration to Loth about the foundational myths of Inys. This brief statement represents a major thematic pivot in the chapter, challenging established beliefs and setting up the book’s central revelations.
4. “You are in the Priory of the Orange Tree, Lord Arteloth. In Lasia.”
This revelation marks the story’s geographical and conceptual shift to a secretive, mythical location. The blunt delivery underscores the disorienting nature of Loth’s journey and the hidden truths he’s about to uncover.
5. “Few men seek the Priory and live to see it.”
Chassar’s ominous statement establishes the Priory’s elusive nature and dangerous reputation. This foreshadows both the significance of Loth’s survival and the perilous knowledge he may gain.